Uninsured Rate of Americans on the rise
According to recent Census Bureau data, the number of Americans without health insurance increased by almost 2 million people over the prior year. The U.S. Uninsured Rate is currently at a four-year high according to the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index.
Luckily, however, a nationwide network of free clinics, low-cost clinics, and community-based health centers does provide access to care for the uninsured. The federally supported health center system currently consists of over 1,400 organizations and has created an affordable health care option for more than 28 million people. These clinics include:
Free Clinics
Free clinics offer services at no cost to people with limited incomes, with no health insurance or people do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare. Free clinics may provide treatment for routine illness or injuries; and chronic medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma and high cholesterol. Some also provide a limited range of medical testing, prescription drug assistance, women’s health care, and dental care. A free clinic is a private, nonprofit, community-based organization that provides medical care at little or no charge to low-income, uninsured or underinsured persons employing volunteer healthcare professionals and partnering with other health providers.
Sliding Scale or Low-Cost Clinics
Sliding scale clinics serve people with low-income or who are living on a fixed income. Affordable sliding-scale medical treatment is not a “sale” or a “discount” that can change over time. The amount you pay for affordable care is calculated by using an individual’s current income. Those living below the poverty line may only have to pay a small amount of the overall bill, but those who have an income that exceeds 100-200 percent above the poverty line may have to pay full price for services. Community health centers are like low-cost or sliding clinics in how they determine the cost of services.
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